An iconic brewery which supplies pubs all over Britain has announced it will be closing its factory after 40 years.
Exmoor Ales was founded in 1979, but will be moving its production from Wiveliscombe, Somerset, where it has been since its launch, to Surrey.
The firm’s managing director, Jonathan Price, has said the company has faced ‘challenging times’ in recent years.
He blamed the recent tax hikes and minimum wage increases as well as a new bottle tax, which ‘weighs heavily’ on small businesses.
However, he said the new collaboration would help preserve the brand and protect jobs.
In a letter to customers, Mr Price said the firm, like many other breweries, has been struggling since the pandemic, inflation, market changes and tax increases, and as a result will have to restructure and close the brewery.
The email goes on to say: ‘We looked at a number of options, including linking up with any other local brewer, but we were concerned that we would lose nearly all the jobs, our brands, and our independence.
‘Exmoor Ales has a strong following of loyal drinkers built up over more than 40 years, so we’ve been looking for a solution that will allow us to continue employing people locally and be in charge of our own sales and future.’
Exmoor Ales was founded in 1979, but will be moving its production from Wiveliscombe, Somerset, where it has been since its launch, to Surrey. Pictuted: The firm’s headquarters
The firm’s managing director, Jonathan Price, has said the company has faced ‘challenging times’ in recent years. Pictured: Stock image
He blamed the recent tax hikes and minimum wage increases as well as a new bottle tax, which ‘weighs heavily’ on small businesses. Pictured: Stock image
The booze firm will be partnering with another family-owned business, Hogs Back Brewery, which will brew Exmoor Ales’ beers for a period of time while further options are evaluated.
Mr Price went on to say: ‘Exmoor’s Head Brewer, Sanghrash, will be brewing with them using the same recipes, same yeast for each Exmoor Brand to match the same taste and quality as now.
‘Hogs Back has a lot of experience working collaboratively with other small businesses around the country.
‘We will continue distributing our beers locally from Wiveliscombe, with Hogs Back helping with national distribution.
‘I remain here, as always, as Managing Director of the new operation, and with our sales and distribution team, we will be able to take advantage of exciting new opportunities that are emerging, including the launch of our own lager, a low-alcohol beer, and a new IPA, to be announced shortly.
‘We will also seek collaborations with other local businesses and introduce exclusive distribution arrangements with other drinks businesses.
‘The closure of a brewery is always sad, but in the current market, it is becoming all too common as global brewers close opportunities for small local brewers.’
The business will be partnering with another family-owned business, Hogs Back Brewery. Pictured: Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey
Mr Price told the BBC he still hopes that he will be able to bring the brewery back to Somerset.
He added: ‘We very much hope times will change and Exmoor will retain the support of its loyal local customers.’
He went on to stress that this is a genuine ‘partnership’ and that the business will continue to be independent and will be distributed from Wiveliscombe which will keep ‘as many jobs as possible and providing a good base to grow the business for the longer-term future,’ SomersetLive reports.
Since the announcement, loyal fans took to social media to share their shock at the news.
One customer, Graham Brown, wrote: ‘Lovely brewery with some cracking beers, another great loss to the industry.’
Another, Ess Eff, wrote: ‘Blimey, see their beers all over the place. Worrying times.’
Another user took to X to say: ‘So farewell @exmoorales. Another brewery bites the dust. Big Beer is really starting to flex its muscles.’
The 485-year-old pub in Devon has been forced to close its doors for the final time
The brewery-owned pub is being closed down as Mr Rossendale-Cook is no longer able to afford the rent.
It comes as many pubs have also seen turbulent times which has led many to closure.
Hole in the Wall in Torquay, Devon, was one which had to close after nearly half a millennium in business, having opened in 1540, due to increased running costs.
Landlord Richard Rossendale-Cook, 81, said rising costs had forced his hand in the decision
He told ITV News: ‘I’m very very sad, of course I’d like to carry on.
‘But unless somebody comes up – a Russian oligarch or someone will give me £360,000 to go and pay off the bill, you are going to shut and that’s the end of it.’
The brewery-owned pub is being closed down as Mr Rossendale-Cook is no longer able to afford the rent.
On March 26, the pub’s Facebook page posted: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that the Hole In The Wall will cease trading from the close of Sunday, 13th April 2025.
‘We’d like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created, to add to the centuries’ more storied history here at the Hole.’
